XA 028 Toxic Comments, Driverless Cars, & AI Problem Solving

Talking Points
1. AI Learns to Spot Toxic Comments
2. Driverless Cars Hit the Streets in Japan
3. AI Supports Human Problem Solving

Listen Up
Listen to an explanation of when and how to use passive voice.

Focus Phrase
Test the waters

AI Learns to Spot Toxic Comments

A new AI model has been developed to identify harmful or toxic language online with 87% accuracy. It focuses on subtle patterns like sarcasm and coded speech that are often missed by traditional filters.

Talking Points: What kind of tools have been developed recently to make the internet safer?

Example: “A new comment filter was designed to detect hidden toxic language in online discussions.”

Language Tip: Use the passive voice when the person doing the action is unknown or unimportant, especially in tech or research contexts. Instead of saying “They built a tool,” say “A tool was built to improve online safety.”

Driverless Cars Hit the Streets in Japan

Nissan's autonomous vehicles are being tested in busy city streets in Yokohama to prepare for a commercial ride-hailing service. The vehicles are equipped with AI that reacts to real-world traffic and pedestrian movement.

Talking Points: What new technology is being tested in public right now?

Example: “Self-driving cars are being tested in Japan to see how they handle everyday traffic.”

Language Tip: Passive voice helps keep the focus on the subject receiving the action. This is perfect for when the process or result matters more than who is doing it. For example, “The system is being improved daily” sounds more formal and objective than “They are improving the system.”

AI Supports Human Problem Solving

AI systems are being used to enhance teamwork in fields like disaster relief and medical research. These tools help groups make better decisions by analyzing patterns and offering real-time suggestions.

Talking Points: What kinds of decisions are being supported by AI today?

Example: “Group discussions in emergency response planning are being supported by real-time AI suggestions.”

Language Tip: Use passive voice to highlight the benefit or outcome of innovation without naming the creator. It’s common in reports, news, and academic writing — e.g., “Solutions were proposed,” “Data was collected,” or “Decisions are being supported by AI.”